The White Feather · Chapter
XIII: Deus Ex Machina explained
Sheen discovers his boat has been deliberately sunk, likely by Dunstable and Linton, and faces being late for lockup.
What happens
Sheen discovers his boat has been deliberately sunk, likely by Dunstable and Linton, and faces being late for lockup. He is rescued by Jack Bruce in his motor car, who offers him a lift. During the ride, Sheen reveals he is taking boxing lessons from Joe Bevan, and Bruce, a former pupil of Bevan, agrees to spar with him and drive him to lessons. The chapter highlights Sheen's growing resolve to redeem himself through boxing and the unexpected friendship with Bruce.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Jack Bruce's willingness to help Sheen without judgment and his offer to drive him to boxing lessons demonstrates a budding friendship and loyalty, contrasting with Sheen's earlier ostracism.
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
Sheen's decision to learn boxing and his hope to compete for Seymour's House reflect his desire to improve himself and find a path to redemption after his social downfall.
Cowardice and Redemption
Sheen's secret boxing training and his goal to win the lightweight championship are direct attempts to redeem himself from the cowardice he displayed during the town fight.
Characters to notice
- Sheen
Finds his boat sunk, is rescued by Bruce, and reveals his boxing training with Joe Bevan. He hopes to box for Seymour's House to regain his reputation.
- Jack Bruce
A day-boy who drives a motor car. He offers Sheen a lift, reveals he previously trained with Joe Bevan, and agrees to spar and drive Sheen to lessons.
- Joe Bevan
The boxing instructor at the Blue Boar. He helps Sheen retrieve the sunken boat and identifies the damage as deliberate.
- Dunstable
Suspected of sinking Sheen's boat along with Linton, based on witness descriptions.
- Linton
Suspected of sinking Sheen's boat along with Dunstable, based on witness descriptions.
Key passages
“I should like to do something. It's not very pleasant, being considered a disgrace to the house, and cut by everyone.”
Sheen expresses his desire to take action and redeem himself, as he finds it deeply unpleasant to be ostracized by his peers.
This quote captures Sheen's motivation for boxing and his emotional state after being socially isolated.
“If you like, I'll run you to the 'Blue Boar' in the motor every day.”
Jack Bruce offers to drive Sheen to his boxing lessons daily, solving the problem of breaking bounds.
This offer solidifies the new alliance between Sheen and Bruce and enables Sheen's secret training.